After racing the EMX125 series, a lot of riders decide to move up to the EMX250 series – it is seen as a more natural step. However, young Czech talent, Julius Mikula decided to make the move up straight to the MX2 World Championship in 2024 with the Osička MX Team. Honestly, the Czech talent was pretty impressive being a consistent top fifteen rider in the MX2 World Championship class despite it being his rookie season.
For the 2025 season, Mikula has made the switch to TM after the TM Corse CRD Motorsport team snapped him up and there’s no doubt he has good potential for the future.
We caught up with Mikula to discuss the move and much more…
GateDrop: Julius, let’s take a look back to this time last year… After racing the EMX125 series you decided to make the jump straight up to the MX2 World Championship. EMX250 is the more traditional step up. What was the reason behind moving up to MX2 so soon?
Mikula: After the 2023 season in the EMX125 class, we carefully considered the next step, and my personal wish was to race in the MX2 World Championship. I’ve always believed that the fastest way to grow as a rider is to compete against the best in the world. Moving to MX2 would allow me to push my limits, gain invaluable experience, and understand what it takes to succeed at this level. It was a big challenge, but I was eager to step out of my comfort zone and see exactly where I stand among the best rider.
GateDrop: You already had some very impressive results last year in the MX2 World Championship, how did you find the level of the series after making the move up from EMX125?
Mikula: Happy, especially the one in Kegums where I finished in the top ten. The biggest difference compared to EMX125 is the amount of time you spend on the track. You race three times during the weekend, the moto’s are longer, the tracks are more demanding, and the race pace is much higher. Surprisingly, I didn’t have any problems adapting; on the contrary, I felt comfortable competing against these riders. It’s been a great learning experience for me, and I’m excited to keep improving.
GateDrop: You were pretty much always in the top fifteen and also had some top ten results. Did you surprise yourself last year with the results despite being a rookie?
Mikula: At the beginning of the season, I was happy with those results, but I wanted more. From the very first races, my goal was to get closer to the top five. I knew it wouldn’t be easy as a rookie, but I always aim high and push myself to improve with every race.
GateDrop: For the 2025 season, you have signed with the TM Corse CRD Motorsport team (formerly known as Moto Steels Dr Jack Racing) how did the deal all come together with the team?
Mikula: TM Moto has been in contact with us for the past three years, and after the 2024 season, it felt like the right moment to make the move. The team’s professionalism, the bike’s potential, and the opportunity to work with experienced people made it the best choice for my future. I’m excited about the new challenge and confident that together we can achieve great things in 2025.
GateDrop: The Osička MX Team give you the opportunity to race the MX2 World Championship last year, was it a difficult decision to leave the team? They’re Czech as well I believe…
Mikula: The Osička MX Team was a great choice, and I really appreciate all their support. However, in order to move forward and take the next step in my career, we had to make a change. It wasn’t an easy decision to leave, especially since they are a Czech team, but it was necessary to continue progressing and aiming for bigger goals.
GateDrop: Some people would see the switch to the TM a bit of a risk, it’s been a long time since someone put that bike top five in MX2. But you obviously see this as too much of a good chance to turn down on becoming a factory rider…
Mikula: After testing, I believe the bike has a lot of potential. There’s no doubt that TM is a competitive machine, and with the right setup and hard work, we can definitely aim for the podium. I see this move as an exciting opportunity. Being a factory rider for a team like TM, with their passion and commitment, is something I couldn’t turn down. It’s not just about the bike, it’s about the team’s vision, and together, I believe we can reach new heights in the MX2 World Championship.
GateDrop: I imagine you tested the bike before signing with contract with the team, what where your first impressions of the bike?
Mikula: Yes, I had the chance to test the bike, and after just one day on it, I felt very comfortable. Both the geometry of the bike and the engine performance impressed me. Of course, we went through a testing period where we made some adjustments to fine-tune everything, but overall, the first impressions were very positive. The bike felt solid and responsive, and I was confident that with some small tweaks, we could make it even better.
GateDrop: You have been spending plenty of time on the bike recently, now you’ve had plenty of hours on the bike, how does it feel – are you already comfortable?
Mikula: It took me a few training sessions to adapt to the bike, as it has an aluminium frame and a completely different engine characteristic compared to what I was used to. After spending some time with the team and working together in Italy, we made a big step forward. However, there’s still work to be done, and we’re continuing to fine-tune the details to get the best performance possible.
GateDrop: With the Italian brad and Italian team, I guess you will be based in Italy for the next two years with the team. How do you feel about that – that’ll be all new for you?
Mikula: Yes, I will spend most of the 2025 season based in Italy. Italy offers excellent conditions for training – great tracks and fast riders to train with, which helps me improve with every session. Living and training there will be something new for me, but I’m excited about the change. It’s a great opportunity to push myself in a competitive environment and make the most of what Italy has to offer.
GateDrop: For the 2025 season, what are your goals for the MX2 World Championship?
Mikula: My main goal for the 2025 season is to get closer to the podium and to stay consistent throughout the entire season. I want to improve my results step by step and be a strong contender in every race. It’s important for me to build on what I learned in 2024, work hard with the team, and show that I belong at the front of the pack. Consistency will be key, but I’m also aiming for some standout performances.
GateDrop: The team only have one MX2 GP rider, do you feel that adds any extra pressure to perform?
Mikula: On the contrary, I’m glad to be the only MX2 rider on the team because it means they can fully focus on me. It gives us the chance to work closely together and make the best possible progress. I don’t feel extra pressure; instead, I see it as an advantage to have the team’s full support behind me.
GateDrop: Will you race all the rounds of the MX2 World Championship in 2025 or only the rounds that take place in Europe?
Mikula: I will race the opening round of the MX2 World Championship in Argentina. Based on my performance and results in the championship, we will decide whether to compete in all the overseas rounds. The priority is to approach the season step by step and ensure we are well prepared for each race, whether in Europe or abroad.
GateDrop: Have you got a plan in terms of pre-season races yet – I imagine you’ll contest the International Italian championship?
Mikula: For the pre-season, I plan to race in Mantova and Montevarchi. These races will be great preparation for the MX2 World Championship season and a good way to test the bike in a competitive environment. It’s always useful to get some race intensity before the championship starts, and the Italian races offer strong competition to help me fine-tune everything.
GateDrop: Thank you for your time and good luck for the season ahead…
Miku;a: Thanks to GateDrop for the opportunity to do this interview. I appreciate the support and I’m looking forward to the upcoming season!
